Greetings from
This will not be the normal weekly email. The most
significant event for me in the last week was receiving news from my sister that
my mother passed away on Sunday. She is to be cremated, and the memorial service
will be in
My mom
–
Esther –
was 91 years old, and had lived alone since 1977 when my dad died. For most of
that time her health was good and her mind sharp, but in the last few years both
of these changed. She had a mastectomy a few years ago and suffered from
osteoporosis. Recently she had begun to have symptoms of Alzheimer’s
disease, and was often disoriented and confused about where she was and what was
happening.
One of my treasured memories is from this past December when I visited her and my sister, who was managing her affairs for several years. The first time we went to pick her up my mom didn’t recognize me at first. The next day I went to get her without my sister, and I was somewhat concerned that if she didn’t recognize me she might not want to come with me. As she came toward me, using her walker and with her head bent down, she looked up, saw me, and blessed me with a huge grin (like the attached picture). The assistant asked her if she knew who that was, and she said: “Yes! That’s my baby boy!” I thank God for arranging that greeting, and my friends who made the trip possible.
On Sunday I preached at the first Dutch Reformed Church built in Rustenburg (actually, the first church of any kind). The place was nearly full, and everyone listened most attentively – normally, the service is entirely in Afrikaans, so I think they really had to concentrate to understand my English. It was nevertheless good to have everyone’s undivided attention!
Many good things are happening in regard to the future of the ministry here. I will be meeting with several people in the coming days to discuss all this, and will provide an update next week.
Please pray for my family, that the Lord will meet each one in the way they most need Him.
Love from
Lary